Yellow Eyed Spotted Kole Tang
The Yellow Eyed Spotted Kole Tang is a beautiful and highly desirable Bristletooth Tang known for its striking golden-yellow eye ring, intricate spotted pattern, and exceptional algae-grazing abilities. Constantly on the move, this active surgeonfish helps keep rockwork and aquarium surfaces clean while adding unique beauty and personality to reef aquariums.
Its manageable adult size, hardy nature, and reef-safe compatibility make it one of the most popular tangs for both beginner and experienced marine aquarists.
🟢 Quarantined (Minimum 2 Weeks) – Fully Conditioned & Eating
Quick Facts
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
- Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe
- Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
- Size: Up to approximately 7 inches
What Makes This Fish Special?
The Yellow Eyed Spotted Kole Tang is admired for its beautiful pattern of fine blue and white spotting across a rich reddish-brown body, highlighted by its distinctive bright yellow eye ring. This elegant combination gives the fish a unique appearance that stands out from other tang species.
Like all Bristletooth Tangs, it uses specialized comb-like teeth to continuously graze film algae, diatoms, and detritus from rockwork and aquarium surfaces. This natural grazing behavior makes it one of the most effective algae-control fish available for reef aquariums.
Its combination of beauty, utility, and active personality has made it a longtime favorite among reef hobbyists.
Behavior & Husbandry
Yellow Eyed Spotted Kole Tangs are active swimmers that spend much of their day grazing rockwork and exploring the aquarium.
They are generally among the more peaceful tang species but may become territorial toward other tangs, particularly other Bristletooth or similarly shaped surgeonfish.
They thrive in established aquariums with mature live rock, stable water quality, and plenty of open swimming space.
Feeding & Diet
Primarily herbivorous but benefits from a varied diet.
What We Feed at Lush Corals:
- Nori and marine algae
- Herbivore pellets
- Frozen mysis shrimp
- Enriched frozen foods
In Your Aquarium:
- Nori
- Marine algae
- Herbivore pellets
- Frozen foods
Regular access to algae-based foods helps maintain proper nutrition, vibrant coloration, and long-term health.
Compatibility Notes
Compatible with:
- Clownfish
- Wrasses
- Gobies
- Blennies
- Angelfish
- Most reef-safe fish
Use caution when housing with:
- Other tangs
- Similar-shaped surgeonfish
- Highly aggressive tankmates
Best maintained in established reef aquariums with abundant grazing surfaces and plenty of swimming room.
Lush Corals Quarantine Process
This fish has completed our quarantine process and is fully conditioned prior to sale.
Each fish is:
- Carefully inspected upon arrival
- Proactively treated and observed
- Monitored for health and behavior
- Conditioned to eat prepared foods
- Evaluated to ensure a strong feeding response
This helps ensure your fish arrives healthy, feeding, and well-adjusted, giving you a strong start in your aquarium.
